Written by Sophie Deal. Graphic by Ariana-Isabela Carrillo.
The CDC recommends that adults 18 to 60 years old get at least seven hours of sleep a night. Sleep is vital for neurological function, the foundation of bodily operations that keep you mentally and physically sound. However, with three two-and-a-half-hour classes twice a week, plus homework, it isn’t always feasible for the students of SCAD.
Walk through any dining hall or academic building. Keep a tally of the drinks in the student’s hands. How many are caffeinated? Who is drinking what?
Do you notice that certain types of students are drinking certain drinks?
When I’m not making a latte with the teal Casabrews Espresso CM518 I keep atop my SCAD-approved microfridge, you can find me with a can of Alani’s Dreamfloat energy drink, or kicking it at the new student center cafe, Wit’s. No matter my hours of sleep, I’m serious about my caffeine. Does it matter that I choose Dream Float Alani every time? That I like my coffees a certain color, too strong for most of my friends but too sweet for my father?
Surely, this says something about me, but what? And what do other’s preferences say about them?
To get a better idea, I sat down with three SCAD students to discuss their beverage of choice.
Stu Martinez is a sophomore 2D animation major and barista at Wit’s. His beverage of choice is a Vanilla Coke Zero, though Diet Coke is also a favorite. He’s sensitive to large amounts of caffeine, so soda serves as the perfect, tasty in-between. Besides, Martinez doesn’t believe in all-nighters.
“I’m not doing all that.“ He says, “No way you’re working that whole time, bro”
Though Martinez remarked that wondering what your caffeine intake says about you feels very “millennial“ and “Buzzfeed,” he states that his choice of caffeine says that he’s, “Awesome. Duh.”
Martinez’s caffeine choice led me to wonder; does your major determine your caffeine choices? Sophia Nunez-Salinas is also a sophomore animation major, though she specializes in 3D. Her caffeine of choice is a Strawberry Dreams Monster.
“It means I know how to get things done,” Nunez-Salinas claims. I can’t help but remember last year, when she crashed in my dorm at 4:30 p.m. after an all-nighter and three fruity Monsters. That’s about 80 mg over the safe recommended dose. Thankfully, she woke up safe and sound at 1:00 a.m. These days, she assures me, she keeps to one Monster at a time.
Lily Sumner is a freshman Fashion Design major. She keeps it simple with her day-to-day caffeine and opts for a black coffee. Though she stated this choice, “probably means I need mental help,“ I can’t help but appreciate the simplicity. With reserved, but sleek fashion choices, it seems the obvious pick for her. Sumner grinds the beans for her coffee by hand with a manual coffee grinder each night. It makes a lovely sound.
From major to year to choice of drink, there’s not much consensus. Though Martinez opts for Diet Coke, he also enjoys the Caramel Churro latte from Big Bon Bodega. My trusty Casabrews once made Nunez-Salinas a five-shot macchiato for yet another all-nighter. Sumner drinks lattes and tea. Though I prefer lattes, I scoured each corner of the internet for Alani’s coveted Vanilla Voodoo Elixir when it dropped.
When I began my freshman year, I used my espresso machine as a secret weapon. I didn’t care about people’s orders, just the opportunity it gave me to be their friend. I may not know what Sophia Nunez-Salinas’s Monsters say about her, but I know she likes the Maple Bourbon syrup that everyone else hates. Stu Martinez knows me well enough to make a perfect latte at Wit’s. Lily Sumner knows I’ll always jump to watch her grind coffee beans.
Maybe someone’s caffeine doesn’t reveal a great universal truth. Maybe, it’s just a chance to get to know them better. Take the chance and ask your friends what your caffeine says about you. Use it as an opportunity to surprise them with their favorite. More than anything, prioritize sleep, health, and enjoy your drink.
